Had my Rasheed for a while, but only recently field stripped it for inspection, cleaning, and lubing for a test shoot. I read that many of these were not used in service, but I think that isn't the case for mine. It is in good condition overall, but definitely has that carried look and there is wear on the metal parts as well.

After a field stripping and lubricating it I took it out for a test fire using Yugo surplus, Wolf, Golden Tiger and some Russian "hunting" ammo in white boxes with light blue lettering. Every type of cartridge had failures to fire. I think I successfully fired three rounds total and decided not to ruin any more ammo. After waiting a while I looked at the primers and they all had decent firing pin strikes to them. All of this is new made ammo or well stored surplus that fires every time in my AKs and SKS rifles.

Taking the rifle apart again, I see the pin floats freely and doesn't look abnormal or worn to me. What could be causing this? A weak trigger spring? The one thing I notice though is while manually working the action, the resistance seems slow and sluggish when pulling the handle to the rear and releasing it. A weak recoil spring perhaps but this should not affect firing.

I know these rifles and parts are uncommon so replacing anything will be a challenge but I just want to hear thoughts from those more knowledgeable than me.

Hi First time posting, and I don't know if this is going to help.
I had similar experience with my Rasheed, sometimes the bolt will not return to full battery due to gas port setting, cuasing the lite strike.
Try to manually push the bolt, like the forward assit on the AR. If this is the cause, you have to adjust the gas regulator.

You say you have deep firing pin strikes. The only way the cartridge could not fire with a deep strike is a slow firing pin. I'd check for displaced Cosmoline or a weak spring.
Make sure the firing pin seat in the bolt is free and clear.

Tin Can Sailor
'Nam Vet
NRA Endowment Member
President New Mexico Military Surplus Rifle Pistol Shooters

Hi First time posting, and I don't know if this is going to help.
I had similar experience with my Rasheed, sometimes the bolt will not return to full battery due to gas port setting, cuasing the lite strike.
Try to manually push the bolt, like the forward assit on the AR. If this is the cause, you have to adjust the gas regulator.

That's not the case as the very first round doesn't fire, so it's not the return.

Rob, I will disassemble the bolt and see but when I field stripped it, it floated nicely.